Jamaica

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About Jamaica

Jamaica in January looks every inch the perfect Caribbean paradise with fine white sand, bright green, verdant interior, luxurious resorts and the surrounding bright aqua Caribbean Sea. Culturally it is very different from its neighbours. A real melting pot of people, Jamaica is lively as well as laid-back and is intensely proud of its African heritage. The best places to stay in Jamaica reflect this blended background too.

Of course there are the vast all-inclusive resorts - all the mod. cons. in paradise, but there are also small, independent hotels and guesthouses. Perfect if you want to experience the heart and soul of Jamaica and not just the sun, sand and sea.

Anyone who's seen a photo of this paradise island will know that Jamaica has some of the world's most beautiful beaches. Treasure Beach and Frenchman's Cove frequently appear in top ten lists. Jamaica also has some amazing diving, with a couple of especially well known sites at Runaway Bay and Ocho Rios.

Plus, Jamaica produces some of the world's best coffee in the Blue Mountains. This is also the home of reggae and Rastafarianism. Once at the very heart of the slave trade, the island's history is really worth the research, though perhaps you won't want to spend too much time inside Jamaica's museums.

You might not have thought of it, but Jamaica is actually a brilliant place to explore on foot. The lush interior is rife with idyllic waterfalls surrounded by jungle hiding exotic animals and there are lots of charming settlements and fishing villages to 'come across' in the jungle.

Visitors flying into Jamaica land in either Kingston or Montego Bay which is probably the island's tourist heartland. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are where you'll find all the large resort hotels, in particular the all inclusive options. If you're looking for an independent hotel you'll find many dotted around the other centres, or surrounded by their own beautiful island-paradise-style wilderness.

Kingston is bustling, the Jamaican's Jamaica. Negril has a laid-back, beach character with some very cool spots - both on the beach and on the cliffs. Port Antonio is fertile tropical charm incarnate, tucked away with a few off-beat places to stay. Treasure Beach has a really simple, off the beaten track charm and the Blue Mountains offer a very gentle local Jamaican experience.

What Not To Miss

Blue Hole is home to a number of scenic waterfalls, perfect for jumping into or simply admiring as you swim down the river. Alternatively, head to Dunn's River falls and Park which is much the same - they're both spots that the whole family will love.

Seven Mile Beach is a particularly serene location for seaside lounging, with its long sweeps of white sand and turquoise waters.

Head to Rose Hall Great House and hear all the tales of the alleged "white witch" that used to live there! There's also the fascinating Devon House, home to the first black millionaire in the Caribbean.

Culture vultures should also consider checking out the National Gallery, Bob Marley Museum and Greenwod Great House.

Use our guide to the best places to stay in Jamaica and start planning your trip to this Caribbean beauty.

The Best places to stay in Jamaica

Once in a lifetime experience

GoldenEye in Ocho Rios is one of the world's greatest five star beach front hotels. Villas and cottages have mahogany details and direct beach access. There are two restaurants - both of them excellent, a freshwater infinity pool, an extensive spa and even a library. The emphasis is on privacy. The Bond reference is because this is where several of the books were written - amongst all this beautiful peace and sunny tranquility.

The Caves just outside Negril is a beautiful, grown up five star hotel with private cottages and ladder access to the sea. Possibly the perfect spot for a Caribbean honeymoon.

Portland's Trident Villas is a glamorous, modern beachside resort. There are big bathrooms, an infinity pool, a modern spa, private beach and gym and manicured gardens. Plus all the suites have private plunge pools.

For something a bit different, one of the best places to stay in Jamaica is Negril's Sunset at the Palms, an elegant treehouse hotel. Lush and secluded there are three restaurants and bars serving fantastic regional and international delicacies.

Jamaican flavour

Geejam in Portland is a gorgeous hillside hotel surrounded by six acres of lush, green forest very close to the famous Blue Lagoon. There are just seven rooms with dark wood floors and furnitureand terraces over looking the sea - some have their own verandah hot tub.

Strawberry Hill is a boutique hotel converted from a former coffee plantation. They still have plenty of Jamaican art and antiques and of course astounding mountain views across the hills to Kingston.

Also in the mountains, this time near Port Antonio, Mockingbird Hill is an elegant, eco-friendly hilltop hotel with no phones or TVs and some of the island's best food, served in an ocean facing restaurant.

The Tryall Club near Montego Bay is a classic Jamaican colonial style hotel, but still a bit different from the beach resorts. It's big and has plenty of facilities.

Classic Caribbean Island holiday

Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios is a classic Caribbean beach hotel with sea views from almost every room, a magnificent private beach and both formal and informal dining

Country Country is right on Negril's Seven Mile Beach and the colourful cottages give it a classic beach holiday feel. There's a great atmosphere and a simple, but good value, restaurant.

Negril's Round Hill is a five star resort, oozing elegance (and a stylish clientele to match) with a private beach and loads of facilities and activities on offer. This is the kind of resort you definitely don't need to leave.

Rockhouse in Negril offers a collection of thatched, stone cottages with muslin-draped four poster beds and outdoor showers. Surrounded by tropical gardens on all sides but the ocean you feel secluded. There's also a great spa.

Negril's Sweptaway is a large but peaceful, adults only, all-inclusive beach front resort with a choice of six restaurants and an award winning spa.

The all inclusive Shaw Park Beach Hotel boasts smart rooms with colourful furnishings, as well as an outdoor pool, spa, gym and top-notch grub. With everything catered for, it's ideal for those simply wanting to relax!

For families

Jakes in Treasure Beach is a chic hotel right on the water. The decor is an eclectic mix of antiques with more stained glass and mosaic than you'd expect. Some cottages have their own kitchens and they run plenty of classes - cooking, art and fishing for example.

A little way along the coast from Montego Bay you'll find Coyaba, an elegant, but friendly beach front hotel. Here you can try all sorts of watersports just minutes away and there are babysitters, kid's clubs and a spa to make your stay as relaxing as possible.

If you're looking for a small family friendly resort, Hermosa Cove in Ocho Rios is for you. There are just nine cosy, hand-crafted villas with kitchens and private pools. If you don't want to self cater there's an excellent seafood restaurant and the hotel will happily stock your fridge.

The Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay offers luxury for all the family. Elegant and serene, there's also plenty to do, from riding, tennis and kids clubs. The villas range in size with the largest having seven ensuite bedrooms. There is also a huge spa.

For great value

Catcha Falling Star in Negril is a stylishly rustic cliff top hotel with charming thatched cottages. Here you'll find outdoor showers, bougainvillea filled gardens and terraces overlooking the sea. Some cottages have their own kitchens too, though they don't allow children. Rooms start from as little as £52 per night.

Also in Negril, and also a laid-back cliff side hotel, the Tensing Pen offers secluded cottages, some with their own ladders directly into the sea. They're big on yoga and spa treatments and there's the echo of reggae music heard throughout.

The Hibiscus Lodge in Ocho Rios is just a few minutes from the centre of town and has great cliff top views. This is a classical tropical hotel. Rooms start from £85 per night.

For A City Stay

Terra Nova is an opulent choice in the centre of Kingston, offering elegant rooms with luxurious furnishings and an outdoor pool. Enjoy lovely cuisine from the restaurant and relax in the atmospheric bar.

Spanish Court features tasteful accommodation and all the necessary mod cons. for a splendid stay. Spend your days exploring Kingston before coming back to choose between international or typically Jamaican grub.

Also located in Kingston, Jamaica Pegasus is a contemporary stay with stylish art deco rooms, a pool, spa, gym and choice of eateries.

For An Apartment Or Villa

If you think you'd be best served by a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

Hurricane season lasts from June to November, so you're probably best off avoiding visiting at this time. The island's also a spring break hotspot from March to mid-April so expect it to be full of students.

Peak season, from January to March, is when the weather's nicest, though accommodation is fairly expensive at this time.

The island's never exactly cold though, with average temperatures of 27-30°C year round, so consider coming in autumn if you want a peaceful but warm getaway.

Stunningly situated clifftop hotel. Rooms feature tropical print furniture, large bathrooms and views of the sea or gardens. Outdoor pool, lush gardens & popular restaurant. Just a few minutes walk from the centre of Ocho Rios. A great value choice for a beach holiday.

Sights nearby - Short walk from the centre of Ocho Rios. Dunn's River Falls. Dolphin Cove and Mystic Mountain are within 15 minutes drive

All inclusive beach resort. Elegant rooms have private balconies facing the sea and colourful furnishings. Outdoor pool and lush orchid filled gardens. Spa and gym for your pleasure. Superb cuisine from restaurant, both local and western foods. Quiet and charming and great value for money.

Local exploring - Enjoy the White River passing through the resort, Shaw Park Botanical gardens and plethora of watersports

Elegant, eco-friendly hilltop hotel. Rooms feature muslin-draped four posters & bamboo furniture but no phones or TVs. Outdoor pool, spa treatments and rooftop canopy. Some of the best food on the island is served in the ocean facing restaurant. Chilled and charming - perfect for total escape.

Nine hand-crafted villas. Bedrooms are full of warmth with dark wood and leather furniture and views of the gardens. All come with kitchens which can be stocked by the hotel. Private outdoor pools, and excellent seafood restaurant. Intimate, luxurious and a real home from home.

Hideaway - Private villas come with their own pools and walled gardens, if you wish, there is no need to leave as staff can prepare dinner